Trucking Company Orientation - Day One

Today was a very hectic day. I started orientation with the trucking company I was hired on with. As of right now, I'm not going to share what trucking company it is. I hope you all can understand that I want to honestly be able to write anything about this industry and my personal experience with this company, good and bad. And the last thing I want is retaliation from my employer. So while I'm sure you're very curious, I just can't divulge the company name in my forum. Otherwise I'd be tempted to hold back on any negatives. Sorry!!

The day started promptly at 7am and is held right here at the hotel. A word of advice...Don't be late!! This company is very serious about being there on time every day. They said, and I'm paraphrasing here; "Our company prides itself on it's 99% on-time delivery rate. If you can't make it to orientation on time, then we have some major problems hiring you." Remember, with most companies, attending orientation doesn't mean you are hired, as it is in my case. You have to make it through orientation first, and they watch everyone's behavior like a hawk. As an example, if there is a sign that says "stay off the grass!" for the love of God, please stay off that grass! I didn't see anybody let go due to their behavior and it isn't military style, it's just common courtesy for their program, their property, and showing you have common sense.

The morning was filled with stacks and stacks of paperwork, release forms, and going through documents. It was a tedious morning, but a process that's just part of the trucking industry. For starters, we had to fill out a second application. What they do is match up the application you filled out previously to the one you filled out at orientation. This allows them to find any discrepancies and see how honest you were in your original application. I guess a lot of times people's applications don't match up at all. A big red flag to them.

After that, we signed some release forms so they could do a background check, filled out paper work for a TWIC card (security clearance into US ports) which includes being finger printed, signed medical release forms, got finger printed again for company records, and a slew of other things.

Aside from the mounds of paperwork, we also had a DOT physical and drug screen. The biggest problem I saw here was people having trouble with blood pressure. My company also has a BMI (Body Mass Index) test which can not be greater than 39. Apparently the company is doing this because there is a federal regulation in the works concerning CDL holders with a BMI over 39. A couple larger individuals did not pass this portion of the physical. I believe one person also left due to a failed drug test, and one guy actually bragged to me about how he beat the drug test. Wonderful.

After 12 long hours, the day is done. Time to get some sleep and get ready for day two!

Until next time, drive safely!

TruckerMike

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.

Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass

Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

Body Mass Index:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass

Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

TWIC:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.

Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

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